Ronin + Helicopter

[Scott Lamoreaux]

I've found some old threads but was looking for more specific images and tips of getting the best possible footage shooting aerials via a full size ronin and RED Dragon. I'd love to use a shotover or cineflex but just can't afford it.

Does anyone have rigging photos and tips for gimbal settings techinique to produce the best possible outcome? I'm assuming wide lenses only for this type of setup?

Thanks!

 

[Ben Steensels]

I've mounted a Ronin on a r22 and r44 with the door taken out.
The tricky thing is to make sure your lens does not stick out, because the wind from the speed of the heli will cause it to spaz out. Helicopters will often fly at speeds around 250 Km/h

I always use bungee cords. (make sure you have some sort of safety for the event that something comes loose) almost had an epic fall out of the heli at 2000 ft...

I've used a 11-16 tokina and a 24-70 canon lens, both with good results, even on the closer end of the 24-70. So if you have only one lens to pick, I would go versatile and choose a zoom lens.

here are some bts images:
https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...wZealand_RobAntill.com_12-23.jpg?format=1000w

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...+Shot+2016-07-06+at+13.30.27.png?format=2500w

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...Zealand_RobAntill.com_12-171.jpg?format=2500w

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...03a07/1478859252494/_A5D8992.jpg?format=2500w

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...b8aa9/1478859252831/_A5D8995.jpg?format=2500w

Here is the final result of the video:
https://vimeo.com/127360181

hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[Scott Lamoreaux]

I've mounted a Ronin on a r22 and r44 with the door taken out.
The tricky thing is to make sure your lens does not stick out, because the wind from the speed of the heli will cause it to spaz out. Helicopters will often fly at speeds around 250 Km/h

I always use bungee cords. (make sure you have some sort of safety for the event that something comes loose) almost had an epic fall out of the heli at 2000 ft...

I've used a 11-16 tokina and a 24-70 canon lens, both with good results, even on the closer end of the 24-70. So if you have only one lens to pick, I would go versatile and choose a zoom lens.

here are some bts images:
https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...wZealand_RobAntill.com_12-23.jpg?format=1000w

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...+Shot+2016-07-06+at+13.30.27.png?format=2500w

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...Zealand_RobAntill.com_12-171.jpg?format=2500w

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...03a07/1478859252494/_A5D8992.jpg?format=2500w

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...b8aa9/1478859252831/_A5D8995.jpg?format=2500w

Here is the final result of the video:
https://vimeo.com/127360181

hope this helps. Good luck!

Thanks Ben! Very infomative.

1. So you would suggest a zoom over a prime?
2. Were you physically changing focal lengths and racking focus by reaching down to the lens? I'd be afraid of the lens moving out of the desired focal length from getting bumped around.
3. Did the bungees take all the weight off your hands? I can imagine holding the gimbal for 30-45 min would be exhasuting.
4. Any chance at getting some of the aerial clips sent via dropbox ? The final film you sent is amazing however I wanted to anyalize the steadiness of the footage native from the camera.
5. Who was controlling the camera movement? Did the gimbal act up at all not being familiar with the GPS of the ground?

Thank you!

 

[Ben Steensels]

Thanks Ben! Very infomative.

1. So you would suggest a zoom over a prime?
2. Were you physically changing focal lengths and racking focus by reaching down to the lens? I'd be afraid of the lens moving out of the desired focal length from getting bumped around.
3. Did the bungees take all the weight off your hands? I can imagine holding the gimbal for 30-45 min would be exhasuting.
4. Any chance at getting some of the aerial clips sent via dropbox ? The final film you sent is amazing however I wanted to anyalize the steadiness of the footage native from the camera.
5. Who was controlling the camera movement? Did the gimbal act up at all not being familiar with the GPS of the ground?

Thank you!

1. So you would suggest a zoom over a prime?
If you have to work quick and only have one choice yes. But not if you only need a certain focal length of shots of course.

2. Were you physically changing focal lengths and racking focus by reaching down to the lens? I'd be afraid of the lens moving out of the desired focal length from getting bumped around.
Yes I was. the shots aren't usable when zooming of course. i stopped down to f4 i believe. and i had the focus on infinite since we were in a helicopter

3. Did the bungees take all the weight off your hands? I can imagine holding the gimbal for 30-45 min would be exhasuting.
Yes, no weight on my arms

4. Any chance at getting some of the aerial clips sent via dropbox ? The final film you sent is amazing however I wanted to anyalize the steadiness of the footage native from the camera.
https://www.pond5.com/stock-footage/65885619/aerial-beautiful-snowcapped-mountain.html
https://www.pond5.com/stock-footage/65886050
https://www.pond5.com/stock-footage/65885735

5. Who was controlling the camera movement? Did the gimbal act up at all not being familiar with the GPS of the ground?
I have a joystick on the ronin so I was, myself. it only acted up when the heli was banking (because of the internal gyro) > it only affected the roll

Good luck